Kirkby stabbing: Son of woman knifed in Brambles pub car park charged with her murder

The son of a woman who was stabbed to death while attempting to break up a fight in a pub car park in Kirkby has been charged with her murder.

Karen Dempsey, 55, was found near the Brambles pub on Cherryfield Drive with a stab wound to the chest, on Monday. She was taken to hospital but later died.

Witnesses say she was trying to break up a fight between two men in a side road next to the pub.

Her son Jamie Dempsey, 32, of Brechin Road, Kirkby, handed himself in to officers.

A 38-year-old man was also arrested at the scene on suspicion of affray and wounding is being questioned by police.

The family of Ms Dempsey said it was her unwavering willingness to try and help others that led to her death, they are ‘devastated’ by the loss.

“Karen was a beautiful, vivacious and compassionate woman who always had a smile on her face and lit up a room,” the family said in a statement.

“Her zest for life was infectious and it left others breathless. She loved being surrounded by her family and friends.

“Karen was dedicated to her work and in helping others she made a real difference to people’s lives. She was a fantastic advocate for social justice for more than 30 years and her loss will be felt right across Kirkby.

“As a family we are devastated by her untimely death – it was her willingness to help that led to her being cruelly taken from us.

“She will be sorely missed by her family and friends – her death has left a huge void in our lives.

“We would like to thank the police for their investigations and the emergency services who fought so hard to save her life.”